© 2012 SchuylkillPhotoMemories.com

By Johnathan B. Paroby

“I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was a kid growing up in Cumbola, PA, delivering newspapers. At home I would find my parents camera with a few shots left and use ‘em up on my newspaper route. In high school I carried around my camera bag was heavier than my backpack. Photographing the high school life, for the school newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine and school newsletter, was an every day thing. After more football games and high school events than I can count, I graduated in 1996, and in September 1996 began my professional career as a freelance “special photographer” for the local newspaper, REPUBLICAN & Herald.”

   

“Through the years as a newspaper photojournalist I traveled more near than far and just about everywhere in between. Including assignments in various states, self assigned visits to other countries, post Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In November 2005 I traveled to the Persian Gulf, Bahrain, Middle East, Kuwait and Iraq in 2005 for a series titled “Close To Combat”, about soldiers from the PA area. In particular this series followed the story of a local Navy reservist who was activated to duty 2 weeks before retirement.

“After serving as Photo Editor for 4 years I left the newspaper in 2007 to return to the life of a freelance photographer, entrepreneur and to begin something of my own.“

“Presently I volunteer at the Walk In Art Center, Schuylkill Haven, PA and like to stay busy with my camera, especially with my personal work. I am also available for commercial photographic work, weddings, editorial photography and  film / darkroom environment / processing work. “

“Much of my shooting is performed with Nikon digital and Mamiya medium format film equipment. Although I and my clients enjoy the quick turn around of the digital system. I have always loved the feel and look of shooting with film and working in the darkroom with 35mm film, medium and large format view negatives. Film gives a certain mechanical look to the image.”

             

Thank you to Bill & Cindy for this wonderful camera, Mamiya RB67